19 Reasons to come to Alcatraz this year
1. Unbeatable atmosphere & experience in the country's most welcoming prison
Alcatraz is more than a festival — it's a unique gathering of metal fans where everything revolves around atmosphere, freedom and pure musical pleasure. Thanks to the compact site, short queues and easy access, a relaxed and unforgettable weekend is guaranteed. And this year, the Prison Stage opens on Thursday too.
2. More than 120 bands across four stages: from world class to hidden gems
Brace yourself for musical overload: more than 120 bands on four stages, including 22 Belgian acts and an impressive international line-up. Headliners Slaughter to Prevail, Powerwolf, Lamb of God and Arch Enemy, joined by Savatage, Testament, Primus, Body Count, Alestorm and so many more. And on Thursday 6 August, Channel Zero play their very last outdoor show ever — right here at Alcatraz. Thirty-six years after Franky De Smet-Van Damme and co founded the band in Brussels, Channel Zero close their open-air chapter on the Prison Stage, surrounded by metal fans. An epic show, guaranteed.
All of which makes 2026 one of the strongest line-ups ever: icons, young talent and Belgian pride — plenty to discover. And at the signing sessions you'll meet your favourite artists up close!
3. The Prison Stage gets a facelift
Our iconic main stage has a brand-new look. After last year's four towers were brought back to two, the prisoners repainted the walls, and much bigger screens now let you follow every second of the action from anywhere on the field. We've also invested in more shelter overall, and mist cannons at the main stage will bring shade and a cool spray when the sun hits as hard as the guitars.
4. Escape from Alcatraz: the 120-metre death ride
Ever dreamed of escaping the world's most notorious prison? This summer is your chance. Brand new: a spectacular 120-metre death ride that sends you soaring high above the festival grounds and thousands of metalheads. A brand-new thrill, powered by Safety Jogger.
5. Chains are the new coins: Alcatraz goes cashless
No more paper vouchers in your pocket after the festival, no more thousands of plastic tokens in circulation, no more queueing at the cash desk (all desks still accept cash and cards to top up your wristband). Everything tops up instantly — safe and fully transparent. And here's the important part: refunds are completely free. With a Groupcard you can even share chains and treat your friends all weekend long.
6. El Presidio: the ultimate rock bar
The wildest rock bar in the country is back at full throttle! Enjoy the spacious terraces, the extra bar and the iconic greenhouse. Dance to a banging line-up of no fewer than 17 DJs, dance on the tables, hang out in the greenhouse... Expect epic moments and pure fun.
7. Non-stop entertainment & visual spectacle
There's always something happening at Alcatraz! From the imposing Prison Stage and the gritty Swamp to fire-breathers, an air show, stilt walkers, Mad Max buggies and surprise mini-gigs — the festival is a feast for eyes and ears. You never know where the next wow moment will pop up... and word has it a few shady characters are up to something again.
8. The Alcatraz community: inmates make the magic
Our fans are the heart of Alcatraz! Every year more metalheads return in one-of-a-kind outfits, creating an atmosphere you won't find anywhere else. The dedicated Alcatraz crew works flat out to make everyone feel at home. No inmates, no Alcatraz — together we make the magic! Our values are summed up in R.A.G.E., to discover online and at the info point on site.
9. Lone Wolves: arrive alone, experience it together
Alcatraz is expanding its Lone Wolves concept this year. Alongside the daily meet-ups and the recognisable Lone Wolves badge, Camping Graveyard now has its own Lone Wolves zone: solo visitors camp together and get to know fellow metal fans along the way. The festival app has a dedicated tile with all the info. And together with Slinger we're encouraging carpooling: team up, share the ride to Kortrijk, and make friends before the first riff even rings out. At Alcatraz, arriving alone never means experiencing the festival alone.
10. The Alcatraz app: your festival guide
Don't miss a single note! The updated Alcatraz app helps you plan your schedule, alerts you when your favourite band is about to play, and keeps you posted with photos and updates. The 3D map in true Alcatraz style is a feast for the eyes — a prison you won't want to escape from. Check the food line-up, your chains balance... everything in one app.
11. Food for every metalhead
Hungry? Alcatraz serves up a wide range of food trucks and stalls, with plenty of vegan options and a sweets corner. The bars have plenty going on too: cocktails, mocktails, special beers and much more. Clear prices and listed ingredients mean there's something for everyone. Eat, drink and keep your energy up all weekend long!
12. VIP: more than just a ticket
Go all in with the Alcatraz VIP ticket! Exclusive access, front-row views from the VIP deck, delicious food, chill zones, tapas, lockers and more. Separate parking and shuttles guarantee a carefree arrival and departure.
13. Camping Graveyard: the most convivial metal village in West Flanders
Camping Graveyard is growing towards 10,000 residents, making it the most convivial metal village in West Flanders this summer — right next to the festival grounds. Brand new: a real supermarket on the campsite. Add entertainment, yoga, music, food trucks, chill zones and a hearty breakfast every morning. Extra sanitary facilities mean more comfort and less waiting. Five-star camping, the way it should be.
14. Glamping Eagle Plaza: metal hotel deluxe, now with 24/7 delivery
Upgrade your stay at Eagle Plaza, Belgium's biggest metal glamping: lodges, tents or cabins with deck chairs, power, earplugs and more, plus a top-notch breakfast, a cosy bar and the ultra-cool fire pit. New this year: a 24/7 delivery service. Order online, day or night, and have food and drinks delivered straight to your tent — courtesy of the new supermarket at Camping Graveyard, in partnership with Eventsuper. Your Eagle Plaza wristband gets you into the supermarket too. Extra comfort during and after a heavy festival day. Come and see for yourself.
15. Merchandise: take a piece of Alcatraz home
Discover the merchandise zone packed with exclusive Alcatraz items: line-up shirts, flip-flops, flags, bandanas — all sporting the iconic Alcatraz logo. Last year's merchandise store El Hongo was a huge hit, and it has now grown into a fully-fledged shop, packed with experience. A lasting keepsake for every inmate. And there's a surprise in store for anyone who wants to immortalise themselves in true Alcatraz style.
16. Together for a sustainable festival & a cleaner planet
Alcatraz is fully committed to sustainability: reusable cups, thorough recycling and solar-powered zones. Going cashless takes millions of plastic tokens out of circulation, and together with Slinger we're encouraging carpooling to cut down the number of car journeys to Kortrijk. Leftover food from the campsite goes to FoodAct/Welzijn Kortrijk, and abandoned camping gear gets a second life through local social organisations. Help us keep the festival grounds — and the planet — clean.
17. Metal Without Borders: 70 nationalities united
Alcatraz brings together more than 70 nationalities in one big international metal family. Experience that unique sense of belonging, where metal fans from all over the world come together!
18. Mark your calendar: 2027 presales start on 12 August at noon
Don't miss your chance to grab early bird tickets for next year's edition. More info in the app and at the festival.
19. One more thing...
Oh, and yes — there are still tickets.
Just not for Saturday and Thursday anymore...
